WTN: 2003 Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz Australia. $25.99. 14.5% alcohol. Deep red color, deep hue, initial earthy impression on the nose, which blew off quickly, very good CS and Shiraz notes with spice and smoke overtones, complex tastes of spice, fruit, coffee and leather, a pleasant impression of sweetness, firm tannins -- this could use three to five years of aging, although it would be great with aged steak now -- light oak notes, a bit disjointed but promising, long, complex finish. A very promising wine. 4*.

I stopped by Beekman Wine in Glen Rock for the Saturday tasting -- such an elegant innovation in New Jersey. Usually I would taste and spit, but Teodoro was driving the truck, and I loved the wine -- a whole glass later, I could have grabbed a bottle and ordered a steak for a very early dinner.